MUSCAT: Al Shabab produced the most entertaining result of Monday’s Jindal League opening-round action after edging Sur 3-2 at Sur Sports Complex, while Oman Club and Samayil also began their campaigns with victories. Sohar and Ibri, meanwhile, shared the points in the only goalless draw of the round.
The results completed the first week of the 2026-27 season, with Oman Club, Al Shabab and Samayil joining Seeb, Al Nasr and Al Nahda among the early winners. The opening round produced 19 goals from seven matches and offered an encouraging start to a campaign that is expected to be closely contested.
At Sur Sports Complex, Al Shabab had to work hard for their three points in a five-goal contest that swung both ways. Sur started brightly and threatened early through Abdullah al Musharafi, who later opened the scoring in the 27th minute. Al Shabab responded before the interval when Dutch striker Pepijn Doesburg converted from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time to send the teams into the break level at 1-1.
AWAY VICTORY
Al Shabab carried that momentum into the second half and took the lead shortly after the restart through Yousuf al Shabibi. Sur refused to fade and found their equaliser through Abdullah al Musharafi, who completed his brace with another decisive finish around the hour mark. However, the final word belonged to Al Shabab as Hatim al Rushdi struck the winner midway through the second half, securing a valuable away victory for last season’s runners-up.
At Nizwa Sports Complex, Samayil made a strong start to their league campaign with a 1-0 win over Saham. The decisive moment came late in the first half when Mohammed bin Salim al Muhaijri reacted quickest after defensive hesitation and headed home in the 44th minute. Saham improved after the interval and pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Samayil stayed organised and protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
WINNING START FOR OMAN CLUB
Oman Club also enjoyed a winning start after defeating Dhofar 2-0 at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher. Abdulaleem al Rawahi was the standout performer, scoring both goals to hand Oman Club an important early boost. The result carried added value as it came against one of the traditional names in Omani football, while Dhofar will now look for a quick response in the second round after an opening defeat.
In Sohar, the meeting between Sohar and Ibri ended without goals at Sohar Regional Sports Complex. Both teams had moments of possession, but neither side managed to find the required final touch in front of goal. The draw gave each team its first point of the season and closed the opening round with six victories and one draw.
After the first week, Seeb lead the early standings on goal difference following their 3-1 win over Bahla, with Oman Club and Al Nasr close behind after their clean-sheet victories. Al Shabab, Al Nahda and Samayil also sit on three points, while Sohar and Ibri opened their campaigns with a point each.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
